Plans for new Castleford Tigers stadium clear final hurdle

PLANS for a new Castleford Tigers stadium as part of a £135m retail and leisure development set to create 2,000 new jobs moved a major step forward today.

Lateral Property Group’s Five Towns Park plans, which include a retail park and country park on land next to Junction 32 of the M62, won planning permission from Wakefield Council in February.

But because of the size of the scheme, it was referred to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The government announced in July that it did not need to assess the application, preferring to leave the decision to the local authority.

Final planning permission was confirmed today after the expiry of the judicial review period.

Phillip Lunn, managing director of Lateral Property Group, said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have now formally received planning permission from Wakefield Council and that the period for any possible legal challenge has now passed.

“This means that we have now taken another major step towards making Five Towns Park a reality. This development would not be possible without the continued support of the local community, for which we are very grateful. Further announcements regarding Five Towns Park will be made in due course.’’

Tigers head coach Daryl Powell, said: “It’s outstanding news to get the next step towards our new stadium. It’s going to be so big for Castleford Tigers and all our players are starting to get excited as well as they can see it’s going to be a reality. It’s fantastic news.”

Wakefield Council leader Coun Peter Box, said: “It’s not just a great day for Castleford Tigers, but a great day for the town of Castleford.

“It’s going to help with the regeneration of the town, it’s also going to create new jobs and opportunities for local people, so all in all it’s a red letter day.”

Deputy council leader Coun Denise Jeffery, said: “It’s the best news we could have had. As Peter said it’s a red letter day for the town, the supporters, for Castleford Tigers but also for the wider area.

“We’ve been working on this now for many, many years and finally to get to this stage is just wonderful.”